[Changbin Catholic Church | Father Josef Eugster]
[Calling himself a Swiss-born Taiwanese, the father of foot reflexology for health in Taiwan—Father Josef Eugster of Changbin Catholic Church]
[Many encounters with Father Josef from Switzerland in Changbin]
Father Josef introduces himself as a Swiss-born Taiwanese—he finally received his Republic of China ID card on August 3, 2017.
With a “Taiwanese soul” at heart, he attended a priest gathering in the East Rift Valley,
sitting with priests from the Missionaries of Bethlehem and French priests from the Paris Foreign Missions Society.
At the table were Father Liu Yifeng (about the same age as Father Josef) and Father Pan Shiguang (close in age to Father Wei Zhu’an).
Suddenly, these four started discussing their ages—not by the Western calendar, but by the Minguo (ROC) calendar!
That day, Father Liu asked newly naturalized Father Josef, “Do you feel any different now that you’re Taiwanese?”
Father Josef replied, “I’ve always been Taiwanese!” Father Liu said, “Exactly! I’ve been Taiwanese for ages—people always ask me if there’s any difference, but it’s like a couple living together for 50 years; suddenly you’re handed a certificate, but nothing has really changed.”
…Excerpt from Nuan Gongyi
So much admiration for Father Josef, a Swiss-born Taiwanese!
Father Josef Eugster
Father Josef Eugster is from St. Gallen, Switzerland. He was ordained in his hometown in 1968, and on August 24, 1970, was sent to Taiwan by the Missionaries of Bethlehem. He has served in many parts of Taiwan, later settling in Chishang, Guanshan, and Luye in Taitung. In 1989, he was assigned to Changbin, Taitung, where he has lived and served for over 30 years, deeply rooted in the local community.
When he first arrived in Taiwan, Father Josef suffered from severe rheumatic arthritis due to acclimatization issues, which made it difficult for him to move. By chance, Brother Xue Hongdao of the same congregation gave him a German book called “Health of the Future.” Following the book’s guidance, he started pressing on his own feet, and his symptoms gradually improved. This experience inspired him to deeply study foot reflexology for health.
To further his studies, he returned to Switzerland in 1980 for professional reflexology training. After completing his studies, he came back to Taiwan to share this method with those around him.
…from the internet
https://frjosef.org/
He is a Swiss-born Taiwanese,
the father of healthy foot reflexology for Taiwanese—Father Josef of Changbin Catholic Church.
I actually saw his signboard when I was a student,
but at the time never thought to visit.
Later, while on business in the east and traveling with kids in Changbin,
I was lucky to meet Father Josef a few times in the church,
though I regret we never took a photo together.
The first visit inside was for a tour, with the children riding bikes inside the church.
Later, I learned about the reflexology and got interested in trying it out.
When strolling around Changbin Catholic Church, you’ll find it’s not just regular foot massage—the full name is FJM Reflexology for Health.
FJM stands for: Fr. Josef’s Method of Reflexology,
which is a comprehensive, detailed foot reflexology method developed by Father Josef and his team over 40 years. It not only relieves symptoms and prevents illness but can also be used for elder care.
It uses a non-invasive approach to stimulate reflex zones on the feet, improving the function of corresponding organs and relieving pain through self-regulation, enhancing immunity. FJM emphasizes prevention over treatment—regular practice promotes blood circulation, activates cells, detoxifies the body, balances toxin systems, releases stress, and maintains the body in its best condition—so it’s not just any foot massage.
Father Josef still leads his team in researching and developing “FJM Father Josef’s Method of Reflexology.”
He hopes “if two people in each household learn it, medical expenses can be reduced.” By learning reflexology, you can maintain your own health and take better care of your family.
This loving and wise priest has integrated reflexology with health concepts, bringing warmth to countless people in body and mind.
Father Josef has devoted his life to promoting this therapy, which originated in China and incorporates Western science.
He firmly believes that our feet are a reflection of our health.
By pressing and kneading the reflex zones of the feet, we can activate the body’s self-healing, relieve pain, improve circulation, and even boost immunity.
Every Monday, Father Josef drives from Changbin back to the Bethlehem House in Taitung to give reflexology treatments to Father Wei and Father Ge, caring for their health.
If you’re traveling along the east coast, don’t miss the chance to experience Changbin Catholic Church.
Whenever I’m on business near Changbin in the evening, I always go to try FJM Reflexology—sometimes three times a week—to relax and unwind.
Father Josef Whole Person Development Association
https://frjosef.org/
About FJM
“They come because they are called, and we use our hands to spread love”—this is their beautiful mission!
The association was founded in May 2014 with the purpose: “Since 1979, Father Josef of the Missionaries of Bethlehem has taught foot reflexology for health to the public, embodying the spirit of humility, devotion, love, altruism, and serving society.”
Father Josef continues to lead his team in research and development of “FJM Father Josef’s Method of Reflexology.” Learning this method not only benefits oneself and family, but is also a valuable skill for holistic well-being.
The association is now government-certified for training, with a complete quality training system and teaching team in place, aiming to cultivate professional practitioners. The vision is “if two people in each family learn it, medical expenses will be saved.”
They are working to promote and implement “FJM Father Josef’s Method of Reflexology,” creating jobs and serving more people.
In fact, Father Josef wasn’t always this famous;
In 2003, when Pope John Paul II was suffering from muscular atrophy and unable to speak, and doctors were at a loss, Taiwan’s Vatican ambassador Dai Ruiming recommended Father Josef to treat the Pope.
After personal experiences and recognition by three cardinals and a caregiver nun, Father Josef was allowed to give the Pope a 30-minute foot massage. Afterwards, the nun continued the treatment, and a month later the Pope was able to stand on the balcony and deliver his Christmas address to Catholics worldwide. From then on, Father Josef became world-famous, with invitations from many countries to promote his natural health method.
…from Public Welfare Platform
https://www.thealliance.org.tw/story/114
I highly recommend the experience—a Vietnamese sister once worked overtime just for me. She lives nearby on Changbin Street—don’t miss out if you’re on the east coast!
It’s always a joy chatting with the staff, even if the foot massage makes your feet ache and tingle!
They serve a diverse community in Changbin Catholic Church, including indigenous and new residents!
Service locations include Hualien City, Changbin, Chenggong, and Taitung City.
Sometimes they have to drive from Changbin to Hualien City, or to Chenggong or Taitung City.
Much respect for Father Josef and the sisters who have created job opportunities and service systems, and for their mission:
“They come because they are called, and we use our hands to spread love.”
What kind of attachment makes them want to return to this land even when ill in Switzerland, just to say goodbye here?]
Next time I pass by Changbin, I’ll make sure to spend more time with and thank Father Josef. Besides enjoying the local food, coffee, and slow living in Changbin,
I am grateful for the many encounters with Father Josef, who came from Switzerland to Taitung, Changbin.
Love from Switzerland, rooted in Taitung!
Wishing Father Josef health and happiness forever.